10 Best Essential Oils To Reduce Snoring And Improve Sleep

Friday, November 13, 2020, 21:31

Essential oils are aromatic oily liquids extracted from different parts of plants such as flowers, buds, seeds, leaves, peels, bark and so on. Essential oils are extracted by steam distillation or crushing various parts of the plant. Essential oils have been used for treating many ailments such as relieving stress, boosting energy, alleviating headache, improving mood, reducing anxiety and treating skin conditions like eczema [1] [2] [3] [4].

Some studies have also pointed out that essential oils can also help in treating snoring, a common problem that affects at least 30 per cent of adults and 50 per cent of people who are above 60 [5] [6].

Snoring is a hoarse sound that occurs when the flow of air through your mouth and nose is partially obstructed while sleeping. Snoring can lead to insomnia and sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Many people use essential oil to treat snoring and improve sleep. A preliminary clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research showed that a blend of essential oils can effectively reduce snoring in some people [7].

Let's read on to know the essential oils that can help reduce snoring and improve sleep.

1. Lavender essential oil

Inhaling lavender essential oil has been shown to improve sleep quality. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that smelling lavender oil had a positive effect in improving mild sleep disturbances [8].

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2. Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thyme oil when used alone or in a mixture of other natural health promoting compounds has been found to reduce snoring [9].

3. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral and cooling properties. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can help clear the sinuses and make it easier for you to breathe.

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4. Lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil is extracted from the peels of fresh lemon through a cold-pressing method. A 2011 study found that lemon essential oil can help treat snoring when used either as an essential oil spray or gargle formulation [10].

5. Fennel essential oil

Fennel essential oil is extracted by crushing the seeds of the fennel plant through a steam distillation process. Fennel oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease inflammation in the nose and throat and improve the flow of air through the nasal passages.

6. Eucalyptus essential oil

The leaves of the eucalyptus trees are dried, crushed and distilled to extract the essential oil. Smelling eucalyptus oil can help loosen up the mucous in your respiratory system, which may help reduce snoring.

7. Vetiver essential oil

Vetiver essential oil can help you breathe better during sleep. A 2010 study published in the Chemical Senses found that vetiver oil increased quality of exhalation and reduced inhalation during sleep. This means that people who snore heavily can use vetiver oil to improve their breathing patterns [11].

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8. Clove essential oil

Clove essential oil is made by distilling the dried flower buds from the clove tree. Using clove essential oil can help clear the sinuses and improve the flow of air through the nasal passages.

9. Sage essential oil

Sage essential oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the sage herb through steam distillation. Using sage essential oil before bedtime can help improve your sleep quality.

10. Marjoram essential oil

Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the marjoram herb, an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family. Marjoram oil is known to clear the sinuses and open airway passages, which help you breathe better and works well for heavy snorers.

Image ref: Healthline

How To Use Essential Oils To Treat Snoring?

You can use the essential oils in many ways, these include:

Diffuse the essential oil into the air and inhale it.
Add the diluted essential oil to your bath water.
Add few drops of diluted essential oil under your feet.
Add few drops of essential oil to a cup of water and gargle for few minutes.
Take few drops of essential oil and mix it with a carrier oil and massage on your skin.

Note: Essential oils should always be used with a carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil. Also, if your snoring has become severe and is causing difficulty, consult your doctor immediately.